Samsung Readies $648 Billion Investment Drive as AI Boom Reshapes South Korea

Samsung Group is reportedly preparing to unveil a sweeping 1,000 trillion won ($648 billion) investment plan over the next decade, positioning artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing at the center of South Korea’s next phase of economic growth. According to Reuters, citing Maeil Business Newspaper, the announcement is expected to be made during a meeting with President Lee Jae Myung, as part of a broader national strategy to strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the global AI race.

The proposed investment would span AI data centres, semiconductor manufacturing, batteries, displays, and robotics, with reports indicating that as much as 300 trillion won could be allocated to building new chip fabrication plants in South Korea’s southwest. The initiative is expected to complement the government’s regional development agenda by encouraging greater industrial investment beyond the Seoul metropolitan area, while addressing rising global demand for AI infrastructure and advanced semiconductors. Samsung and fellow chipmaker SK Hynix are expected to outline their long-term investment strategies during the government briefing.

The investment comes as South Korea seeks to reinforce its leadership in the rapidly expanding AI economy. The presidential office has confirmed plans to unveil three national “mega-projects” focused on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and robotics, although full details have yet to be released. Yonhap News Agency reported that the government has been in discussions with Samsung and SK Hynix on expanding semiconductor production capacity to meet surging global demand for AI chips and to strengthen the country’s strategic manufacturing base.

For investors and the global technology industry, the reported plan underscores Samsung’s ambition to remain at the forefront of the AI revolution while supporting South Korea’s long-term industrial transformation. Analysts say the scale of the proposed investment could accelerate innovation, create high-value jobs, and enhance the country’s position as a global hub for semiconductor production and AI infrastructure. If confirmed, it would rank among the largest corporate investment commitments ever announced, highlighting the growing importance of artificial intelligence as a driver of economic growth and technological leadership.